Walhalla tabs 25-year old assistant as new football coach

When John Boggs left Walhalla for Westside he spoke with Jeremy Grogan, his assistant of two years, about possibly joining him. Apparently, Boggs wasn't the only one who thought so highly of the 25-year old.

"We were not going to let him go," said Walhalla athletic director Hal Dunlap, who announced Tuesday Grogan had been approved by the School District of Oconee County Board in a Monday night meeting to lead the Razorback program.

One of the youngest coaches in the state, Grogan's knowledge of the game was never questioned by Dunlap.

Grogan, a 2004 Walhalla graduate, was a two-time all-region selection at the prep level before being a part of two conference championship teams at Newberry College.

Boggs' unofficial seal of approval also didn't hurt.

Age never factored into the equation.

"In this business timing is everything," said Dunlap, who also pointed to Grogan's time as the assistant athletic director for organizational skills in an administrative role as a strong selling point. "We didn't go out looking for a 25-year old. But when the opening was available we were looking for the best candidate and we think what Jeremy has shown has put him in that position."

It's a position that comes with an uphill climb. The Razorbacks haven't been to the state playoffs since 2003, Grogan's senior season, and haven't had a winning season since 1995. In eight seasons, Boggs went 28-52 with the last two seasons being played at the Class AAA level.

Grogan said his love for the program is unmatched.

"I am Walhalla. I understand I am who I am because of this town," Grogan said. "It's overly obvious my passion for this town, for these kids, for this school, for that purple and white, for that Razorback."

Grogan played under coach Rick Pate, who is currently an assistant on the Seneca staff, and also was a state weightlifting champion.

Under Boggs last season, the Razorbacks, who finished 4-6, underwent a shift in offensive philosophy moving from the spread to the option. The defense gave up 28.6 points per game, which will probably be a top priority for a former linebacker.

"That being addressed immediately," Grogan said. "We've got to create a culture right now that features an aggressive, attacking defense where kids have fun getting to the football. We've got a bunch of mature guys that understand we don't get any day back. Every day counts."

Dunlap expects Grogan will have plenty of time to turn things around.

"This could conceivably be a hire where you're talking to Jeremy Grogan, the head coach at Walhalla 25 years from now," Dunlap said. "He's a lifetime kind of guy."